START YOUR JOUNEY TO A HEALTHY SMILE WITH US!
What Should you Expect on your First Visit?
We are so glad you chose Richmond Family Dentistry. We are excited to meet you! During your first visit you will get to meet Dr. Leann and our team. We will start by taking photos and x-rays of your teeth. Going to a new dentist can be intimidating, so please let us know if there is anything we can do to make you more comfortable during your New Patient Exam.
PATIENT DENTAL PHOTOS
Photographs of your face and teeth help us get to know your smile. They can be viewed from our computer as we discuss your dental needs. They could also provide amazing “Before and After” pictures as we continue your treatment.
DENTAL X-RAYS
We will also take x-rays of all of your teeth. These images help the dentist detect tooth decay, infection, gum disease and other dental issues. Digital X-rays are much faster and easier to be viewed by the patient and Doctor conventional film x-rays. They also require less radiation.
We may also take a Panoramic X-ray which shows a broad view of the teeth, hard tissue, and other structures of your jaw in a single image. This allows the dentist to check your wisdom teeth, infections or any abnormalities.
DENTAL EXAMINATION
After reviewing your medical and dental history, Dr. Leann will examine your teeth, natural bite and the health of your gums. Dr. Leann will also evaluate the condition of your current restorations, detect cavities and tooth infections, check for gum disease, and screen for oral cancer. Dr. Leann is excellent at explaining what needs your teeth may have and what can be done to keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime. If you have any questions about your teeth or treatment options, please let us know.
DENTAL CLEANING
Patients with healthy gums may receive a regular cleaning on the same day as the exam. This includes removing hard deposits from teeth, called tarter. Your teeth will be scaled polished, flossed, and treated with topical fluoride application. Fluoride treatments are important in strengthening the enamel of the tooth to fight cavities.
Treatment planning
In our practice, we offer a treatment plan to help you and your family obtain the healthy and beautiful smiles you desire. Please let us know what goals you have for your smile. We strive to address your concerns and discuss all treatment options available to meet your needs.
Our office is unique in that we can offer a written quote of what we estimate insurance to cover and your personal cost for each treatment. Please ask us about CareCredit and other payment options.
fluoride
We also provide fluoride treatment with children and high caries risk adult. Fluoride is a mineral that help to strengthen the enamel and fight tooth decay. We will apply to your clean teeth after your cleaning also make your teeth more resistant to future decay.
Dr. Leann will evaluate and determine whether you are high risk or not depends on many factors, Some of them include the following:
- Active dental caries
- Poor oral hygiene
- Exposed root surface of teeth (i.e recession)
- Poor diet- high sugar and sodas consumption
- Multiple existing restoration ( crowns, fillings)
- Weak enamel
- Lack of regular dental care
- Active orthodontic treatment
- Sensitive teeth
- Undergoing head and neck radiation therapy
- Dry mouth
sealants
Dental sealants are made of plastic and moslty placed on posterior teeth with deep groves that toothbrush bristles cannot reach. They protect the teeth by sealing out food and decay causing plaque. Children are the more likely to have pit and fissure decay, so we often place sealants on new molars to reduce the risk of decay.
stay calm & relaxed!
Nitrous Oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is commonly used in dental office. It is also known as “Laughing Gas”. It can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during dental procedures. Patient who have dental anxiety may greatly benefit from using it. Please ask whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for you.
